A CHARITY is calling on parents in Southampton to talk to their children more about health issues – particularly cancer.

According to a survey by male cancer charity Orchid, 46 per cent of Southampton parents do not regularly speak to their children about health, and 20 per cent never broach the subject.

And 32 per cent of parents do not feel confident discussing how to check for signs or symptoms of conditions like testicular cancer.

Orchid chief executive Rebecca Porta said: “Talking to your child about the signs and symptoms of serious health issues is extremely vital, especially when it comes to testicular cancer.

“If caught early, the disease can be 98 per cent curable.”

And Orchid has launched a new viral campaign with The Hunger Games star Alexander Ludwig, encouraging people to share it on social media with the hashtag #talkballs.